Survey reveals despair of families with disabled children struggling to get support for their children’s emotional needs

A new survey by YoungMinds shows a third of parents with disabled children don’t get the support they need for their children’s emotional or mental health problems and 60% of those who do receive help question its worth.

87% of parents found barriers to getting help. These include lack of available services, long waiting lists, being blamed for their child’s problems, and their child not fitting the criteria for support.

Disabilities can lead to emotional and mental health problems for children and not receiving adequate support adds greatly to the despair many families of disabled children feel.

The parents suggested access to support urgently needed to be improved through

  • Better education for GPs

  • Fast tracking  for families with very complex problems

  • More parent support groups

  • One point of access for all services

 

Elaine, 37 said:  “Coping with a disabled child is one of the hardest things that anyone ever has to endure because there are no facilities for them and they are not allowed to have a life like other children are. Local authorities need to do more for disabled children and their families. More play groups, more support groups.”

Graham, 40 said: “Social services need to be able to react when problems are still small, not to wait until it has been worked up into a major issue. I don’t know if it really is due to a lack of resources or the mindset of wait and see, but it’s wrong and people suffer!”

 

Claire Usiskin YoungMinds Parents Helpline Policy Manager said: “ These families are among the most disadvantaged in the whole population. Their children suffer anxiety, behavioural problems and depression, in addition to physical health problems and learning difficulties. They have multiple, complex problems, yet still face a ‘blank wall’ when seeking help. Services need to be improved fast to meet their needs.”

If you're a worried parent, call our YoungMinds Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544. Our opening hours are 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday . Calls from landlines and mobiles are free. 

More than 100 respondents took part in the survey. Read the full story in YoungMinds magazine  www.youngminds.org.uk


ENDS

For immediate release: 3rd February 2010

Notes to editors

1.    YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional well being and mental health of children and young people and empowering their parents and carers. www.youngminds.org.uk

2.    For further information please contact Hannah Smith on 0207 336 1451 or 07896532529 or email Hannah.smith@youngminds.org.uk

 

 

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